HSM-46
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (May 2013) |
| Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Four Six | |
|---|---|
MH-60R Seahawk |
Helicopter Maritime Strike Four Six (HSM-46), the "Grandmasters", are a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. HSM-46 deploys aboard cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft carriers in independent operations or in support of strike groups.[1] The squadron was established on 7 April 1988 as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) Forty Six (HSL-46)
Mission and history
HSM-46 deploys Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) program helicopters to
Atlantic Fleet
ships. A detachment normally consists of one or two aircraft, five to six pilots, two to three sensor operators, a maintenance chief, and eight to twelve maintenance personnel. A typical detachment deploys with its assigned ship for six months, with several shorter work-up cruises prior to the long deployment. The squadron is directly responsible to Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
The squadron is currently assigned to
Carrier Air Wing 7 on board the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush, replacing HSM-79
.
Transition from HSL-46
HSL-46 was re-designated HSM-46 in March 2012 at Naval Station Mayport.